Around Scotland in 1000 Pubs

Top 10 Pubs by The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh

1. The Roseleaf, 23/24 Sandport Place, Leith, EH6 6EW

This a beauty of a pub which oozes warmth and friendliness (Johnny, the owner is a dyed-in-the-wool Leither and is always full of the banter) and has an incredible menu. Try their signature cocktails served in teapots or book a Mad Hatters Tea Party and try on the hats which adorn the walls of the place.

The Auldest Yin (oldest one) of Leith drinking establishments and a bone fide institution. This is kind of like the ‘Cheers’ of its area … where everybody knows your name. It’s soup and a toastie deal is perfect if you’re on a shoestring budget and their Friday pie is legendary. The Carriers also does live music through the back room of the pub and hosts a regular open mic night.

This cosy, wee pub puts the local community at the heart of its endeavours and plays host to Clothes Swap evenings, Knitting Nights, Cult Film showings in its back room and is the very definition of dog-friendly. There’s only one, Scandi-influenced word for this place: pybbe. Candle-lit and unusually for a pub – pleasant-smelling, it’s the Belle & Sebastian of Shore taverns.

Another characterful Leith drinking den beloved of us locals. This is Leith’s premier, real ale pub with an open, peat fire to warm yer tootsies if the weather takes a turn for the worst. The stovies (Scottish rustic, mince and potato stodge dish of national importance) and toasties are good belly-fillers, and doggies are always welcome.

Another gorgeous, stone-walled, open fire, candle-lit gem which does delicious food (their seafood dishes are always great) and wines. The place reeks of history and even has an in-house apparition in its cellars … (Johnny Walker, the ghostly stalker?) Great pub for people-watching too as it’s right on the corner of The Shore.

Takes the crown for being the most aesthetically pleasing bar in the hood. A haven of mahogany wood panelling, comfy cushions and delightful ambience. When you’re ordering at the bar, be sure to look up to your left and behold its beautiful, stained-glass window proclaiming the motto of Leith, ‘Persevere’. I even wrote a story about this place once which you can read on the Scottish Book Trust’s site here: http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/reading/stories-of-home/story/eh6-girl It is also dog-friendly.

Lush ambience, floor to ceiling mirrors, great food, delicious wines and open fireplaces (can you see a theme recurring here?) = another front-runner for pybbe status. The best bit about this place is the enigmatic, singing barman who is also one of the loveliest individuals you could hope to meet.

More of an eating establishment I confess, but it has a lovely conservatory which again, welcomes pooches. The waiting staff are really lovely, efficient and helpful, and the crepes are superb. Great wine menu for those of you who love to partake of the Devil’s Ribena.

Vast establishment which in spite of its size, still carries an undeniable sense of homely snugness and relaxation. Best bits? It’s stellar brunches and mesmerising fireplace. Another dug-friendly hangout.

This is the old waiting room for the Leith ferry, hence its name. They’re well-kent (well-known) for their mugs of food – haggis, neeps and tatties, stovies and macaroni cheese and impressive whisky bar. You can take the Hoop of Destiny challenge to try to win yourself free whisky by landing your ring on a bottle of uisge beatha. Best of luck ‘cos it’s harder than it looks!